Mary Catherine Korte
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Mary Catherine Korte, 96, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. A Rosary recitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. will be followed by visitation from 9:30 to 10:30. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Emporia, KS later that day.
Mary was born on September 9, 1925, in Emporia, KS, the daughter of Joseph and Christina (Bunk) Heffron.
She attended Emporia schools, and following graduation from high school, moved to Needles, CA to help with the war effort and began her career as a clerk for the Santa Fe Railroad. Following the war, she returned to her hometown. Her career with the Santa Fe spanned 39 years until her retirement in 1987.
On May 13, 1948, she married Anthony A. (Tony) Korte in Emporia, KS. They lived in Emporia until 1957 when they moved to Arkansas City, KS. Mary and Tony raised seven children in Arkansas City and were active in their community. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Tony’s death in 2003. Mary enjoyed watching sports, playing tennis, and after retirement, became active in golf. She was a member of Sacred Heart Altar Society and the Spring Hill Ladies Golf Association. She was well known for her cinnamon rolls, which were featured at church bazaars. Upon turning 90, in order to be closer to her family, Mary moved to Brandon Woods retirement community in Lawrence, KS. There she thoroughly enjoyed her new apartment, new found friends and activities.
Survivors include her children, Stephen (Judy, Windsor CO) Korte, Branson MO, Gary (Karen) Korte, Windsor CO, Nancy (Don) Tarwater, Leawood KS, Timothy (Mary) Korte, Rolla MO, Mark (Chanin) Korte, Olathe KS, Kathleen (Grant) Larkin, Lawrence KS, Christopher (Sheri) Korte, McKinney TX, seventeen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Joseph Heffron Jr., John Heffron, Mildred O’Mara and Barbara Jean Bradshaw, as well as two grandsons, Sean Korte and Jonathan Korte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Brandon Woods ERC Fund or Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kathy and Family, I am so sorry about your mom. She was such a fun lady to talk with, I always enjoyed chatting with her at Brandon Woods when we would visit. May she Rest in Peace!
Mary was beautiful and funny. I’ve missed her at Black Jack. She loved to heckle me when I was dealing her cards. She had a wonderful smile. She is missed
Dear Korte family
I’m sorry for the loss of your special Mother. Thinking of and praying for all of you.
May God be with all the Korte family during this time of sorrow. We are sorry for the loss of a lovely lady.
Nancy and family,
So very sorry about the loss of your mom. Wished I would have known her. I do know she was a beautiful lady! I also know how very much you will all miss her. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you!
We are sincerely sorry for the loss of your moms . We know you have many precious memories to remember her important part in your lives. You have been so fortunate, that in her latter years she kept her mind intact and able to know her family.We know she will be missed, but also know she is in a much better place. May the Lord give you comfort / strength through your sorrow.
Dear Kathy and Siblings,
Your Mom taught us all about Faith and Courage. Her Faith was an open book giving glory to God. Her courage to live despite the many loses a woman has to deal with. I pray that the memories you have throughout your lives are brought back in sharp focus. If we could follow in our Mother’s footsteps, our lives would be worthwhile.
Prayers and Love, Ann
Nancy & family,
Sending our sincere sympathy & condolences. Your beautiful dear Mother lived A full rich life of loving God, being a loving wife, mother, grandparent, friend, rewarding career, playing sports, loving sports, gambling & sooo much more!!!
A beautiful soul!!! In our thoughts & prayers. Sending comfort, hugs & peace.
Shelley, Mark, Kyle & Cory Masterson & families
Sending our love and prayers through this difficult time. Thinking of you all. June and Steve.
Kathy and family;
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending lots of prayers and hugs!!
Dara and Mike John
Korte Family,
I was a caregiver to Ms.Mary for several years very nice and kind resident.
Prayer’s of Strength, Peace and Love .
Steve and family, I was saddened to read of your mother’s passing. May it bring some comfort knowing that old friends are thinking of you during this time. Blessings of peace to all.